Greenpeace activist arrives home
2:33

Greenpeace activist Colin Russell has returned to Tasmania after spending three months in a Russian prison.

Sky News

03 Jan 2014

News

Greenpeace activist and radio operator Colin Russell returns to Hobart after being pardoned in Russia. His 24-year-old daughter Maddy looks on as he addresses the media on his ordeal. Picture: Matt Thompson Source: Mercury

GREENPEACE should apologise to Australian taxpayers for the expense involved in providing consular assistance to protester Colin Russell, says Braddon MP Brett Whiteley.

Mr Russell was arrested with 29 others aboard the Greenpeace ship Arctic Sunrise on September 18 after three of his crewmates tried to stage a protest on a Russian oil platform in the Pechora Sea.

"I welcome the Foreign Minister's decision to consider seeking recompense for the extensive consular support provided by the Australian Government to those that deliberately set out to flout the laws of other countries, including Mr Russell following his arrest in Russia," he said.

"It is my understanding that Mr Russell's actions have cost taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars. Although Mr Russell gleefully claims he has no regrets while potentially breaking the law of another country, Australian taxpayers should not foot the bill for his antics."

Mr Whiteley said Greenpeace routinely broke the law.

"Clearly the rule of law does not concern this organisation.

"I call on Greenpeace to apologise to taxpayers and to denounce its actions to ensure young Australians are not in any way inspired by Mr Russell's lack of judgment."